Lot 247 - 1971 Ford Escort Mk. I Twin Cam

Ford's successes with the Lotus Cortina led to the idea of fitting the mechanicals into the Escort resulting in the Escort Twin Cam being born and becoming one of Ford's most famous production cars. The Escort Twin-Cam went on to achieve many international race and rally victories during its short production life between 1968 and 1971. The Australian built Escort Twin Cam used the same Type 49 AVO bodyshell and 1598cc Lotus engine as the UK specification car but was assembled in the Ford Sydney plant; arguably more interesting and available in a full range of colours from the Ford palette rather than just the Ermine White in which all the home market cars were finished. In total, just 883 Escort Twin-Cams were built before production ended to make way for the RS1600.

We are pleased to offer this original road specification Escort Twin-Cam, built in Sydney, Australia on the CKD (Complete Knock Down) assembly line. This Twin Cam was later exported to Auckland, New Zealand before finally being registered in the UK on 8th August 2002. An inspection of the history file reveals that, as well as a body restoration, the engine was modified to a Ford 1700cc unit with a lightened and balanced crankshaft and it was fitted with a Gilmer cam driven Edgel Works cylinder head with fuel supplied by the twin Weber carburettors. AKE 150J looks resplendent today in its copper red finish; a testament to the quality of the restoration. The interior is finished to standard specification and is presented in very good order. An original Owner's Handbook and an Escort Twin Cam Supplementary Workshop Manual are useful additions, as is the current MoT test certificate showing no advisories and is valid until June 2016.

This Twin Cam certainly sounds the part, especially with the distinctive throatiness from the twin Weber carburettors' intake that so identifies this from the standard models. This lovely example of this fast-appreciating model is estimated sensibly in today's collector motor car market and will certainly stand out from the crowd of Ermine White Twin-Cam owners.

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Interested parties should satisfy themselves as to the description and condition of each lot prior to the sale. Buyers are advised to inspect the car in person or use a professional to carry out this service.